Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland big guns have met up with the squad to begin preparations in earnest for next Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Austria.

Keiren Westwood, John O'Shea, Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick, Glenn Whelan, Harry Arter, Aiden McGeady, Jonny Hayes and Jonathan Walters underwent a light training session at Abbotstown on Friday afternoon as the men who travelled to the United States for the 3-1 friendly defeat by Mexico were put through a recovery session following their return.

The newcomers were joined by midfielder Stephen Quinn, who will train with the squad ahead of Sunday's friendly clash with Uruguay at the Aviva Stadium and the Group D showdown with the Austrians which follows seven days later.

Stephen Gleeson, who scored Ireland's consolation goal at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after coming on as a second-half substitute, has been released.

O'Neill left the bulk of his Premier League players behind - keeper Darren Randolph and midfielder James McClean were notable exceptions - with their season having finished only on May 22, three weeks after his Sky Bet Championship contingent had been able to put up their feet.

The Republic will train again in Dublin tomorrow ahead of the Uruguay game before the manager decides which of his players most need game-time before the qualifier.

Ireland currently sit joint the top of the group with Serbia and in a strong position to challenge for a trip to Russia next summer.